New Zealand, an island country in the South Pacific, has a world-class educational system that is based on practical learning and hands-on experience. The country offers a rewarding study experience across all types of programs inspired by the British education system. As per the latest government report, there are 69,135 international student enrolments in New Zealand.
It is a small country with only a handful of universities but all of its educational institutions are in the top 3% in the world. Combining modern technology with traditional approaches, New Zealand is a top destination for students wishing to study abroad. Continue reading to understand how to study in New Zealand.
Study in New Zealand: An Overview
| Universities | Top 3% of the world |
| Admission Eligibility UG | High School documents, ELP score |
| Admission Eligibility PG | Bachelor’s degree, GRE/ LSAT/GMAT, ELP score |
| Language Exam(s) | TOEFL/IELTS/PTE |
| Part-time work | Allowed up to 20 hours/week |
| Popular Courses | MBA, Landscape Architecture, Agriculture, Winemaking, Tourism |
| Studying Cost | ● NZ$20,000 to NZ$40,000 (Bachelor’s Degrees) |
| Acceptance Rate | ● University of Auckland: 45%
● University of Otago: 58% ● University of Waikato: 72% ● Massey University: 65% ● Victoria University of Wellington: 64% ● University of Canterbury: 50% |
Why Study in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers international students a warm culture and great educational opportunities. Some reasons to study in New Zealand are as follows:
- World-Class Education: All 8 of New Zealand’s educational institutions are in the top 3% in the world.
- Research: The universities in New Zealand offer stellar opportunities for research and development.
- Work after Study Visa: New Zealand offers a Post Study Work Visa that lets students stay and work for up to 3 years.
- Life Skills for the Future: New Zealand offers the perfect environment to develop vital life skills that prepare students for thriving careers in their fields.
- Work-Life Balance: New Zealand is notable for its relaxed atmosphere that provides for a high standard of living.
Best Universities in New Zealand in 2024
| QS World University Ranking | University | City |
| 65 | University of Auckland | Auckland |
| 214 | University of Otago | Dunedin |
| 235 | University of Waikato | Hamilton |
| =239 | Massey University | Palmerston North |
| 244 | Victoria University of Wellington | Kelburn, Wellington |
| =261 | University of Canterbury | Christchurch |
| =371 | Lincoln University | Lincoln |
| 412 | Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | Auckland |
Most Popular Courses in New Zealand
New Zealand offers various educational programs to suit students’ academic requirements.
Here is a list of the most popular fields and courses in New Zealand:
- Engineering: Wintec University is famous for offering a wide variety of engineering courses in the country including Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering.
- Business: Lincoln University is considered to be the most reputable institute for providing Business Administration in NZ with decent exposure to international business.
- Land-Based Studies: Agriculture, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Tourism, and Winemaking are some special courses relevant in New Zealand. Lincoln University is among the world’s top universities for agriculture and forestry courses.
- General Academic Programs: In addition to the above-mentioned courses, NZ also offers generic UG and PG courses, including MBA, AI, MS, Hotel Management, and IT and Computer Science.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission in New Zealand
To study a UG course in New Zealand, the student needs to meet certain requirements:
- Complete Higher Secondary Education: Students must have completed their 10+2 education.
- Appropriate Score: They must achieve a minimum score on their 10+2 examinations (varies by university).
- English Language Test: The applicant must prove English proficiency through relevant proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Student Visa: The applicant must acquire the relevant student visa.
- Other Documents: This includes academic documents, proof of funds, and an acceptance letter from a New Zealand educational institution.
The eligibility criteria for pursuing a PG course in NZ include the following academic qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree: The applicant must have completed a degree in a relevant field.
- Good Grades: A minimum score (varies by university) in undergraduate studies.
- Standard Tests:
- GRE or GMAT: Students in management programs must attempt the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
- English Proficiency: The applicant needs to prove their English language skills by taking a test like IELTS. The minimum qualifying score for each university varies.
Additional Requirements:
Some NZ universities may demand relevant work experience or internships. For example, an MBA.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Students need to draft a strong SOP explaining why they want to study in NZ and what their academic goals are.
- Passport: The candidate’s passport must be valid for a minimum of 3 months after their course ends.
- Insurance: Students must have full travel and medical insurance coverage.
- Proof of funds: Students must produce documents proving they have enough money to pay their tuition fees, living expenses, and maintenance costs.
Cost of Studying in New Zealand
The typical study in New Zealand cost is as follows:
| Program | Fee (approx.) in NZD | Fee in INR (approx.) |
| Diploma/Certificate | $23,376 to $46,752 | ₹11.5 lakh to ₹23.3 lakh |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $20,000 to $40,000 | ₹9.9 lakh to ₹19.9 lakh |
| Postgraduate Degree | $20,000 to $45,000 | ₹9.9 lakh to ₹22.4 lakh |
| PhD | $6,500 to $7,500 | ₹3.2 lakh to ₹3.7 lakh |
Intake and Application Deadlines in New Zealand
The deadlines for N. Zealand university applications depend on when the applicant wants to start their studies:
- For January session admission, the application deadline is November of the previous year. For the July session, the deadline is May of the same year.
- The application deadline for most of the undergraduate courses at the University of Auckland is 8 December. The deadlines for a few courses are in January and February.
- The application deadline for semester 2 is July 4 for all undergraduate courses at the University of Auckland. The application deadline at the University of Otago is 10 December for most undergraduate courses.
- The application deadline at the University of Otago for semester 2 is 15 June. The application deadline at the University of Waikato for summer school 1 is December 5.
- At the Massey University, the application deadline for semester 1 is October 31 and the application deadline for semester 2 is May 1.
To ensure the application process goes on smoothly, the applicants must consider the following factors:
- Early Application: It is recommended that you start the application at least six months before the application date to avoid any delays.
- Language Tests: It is beneficial to take admission language tests, such as IELTS, at least three months before the admission date.
- Agent Assistance: Contacting and hiring an education agent can help with the visa process and getting selected in the course of choice.
Scholarship Programs in New Zealand
These are some of the scholarship options for students:
| Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | These scholarships cover:
● Full Tuition Fees ● Living expenses ● Medical and Travel Insurance ● Help with research |
| New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship | Indian students pursuing a Master’s or PhDs in Climate Change and Resilience and Governance fields are eligible for the following:
● Full tuition fee waiver ● Living allowance |
| New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) | An overall package of NZ$ 320,000 for eligible Indian students. |
Careers in New Zealand
Some of the industries in New Zealand that encourage international employees are:
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Arts, Design and Media
- Engineering
- Telecommunications
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Finance
- Fish, Forestry and Mining
- Education
- Agriculture
New Zealand also offers a post-study work visa to its international students to let them work in the country for up to three years after completing their studies. The key requirements and highlights of this facility include:
- Completing a level 7 degree or above. Non-degree level 7 graduates can enjoy this service, too, but they can only land a job in their field of study.
- Over 30 weeks of studying time in the country.
- You must apply no later than 3 months after your student visa expires.
Top Recruiters in New Zealand
| Business | ANZ, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, Woolworths Group |
| Agriculture | Corteva Agriscience, Livestock Improvement Corporation |
| Hospitality | InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton, JW Marriott |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
New Zealand is a great study destination for Indian students due to its diverse environment and high-quality education.
Can students get scholarships in New Zealand?
Yes, all international students are eligible for various scholarships in NZ.
Can international students engage in part-time jobs in New Zealand?
Yes, international students can apply for part-time jobs while studying in N Zealand. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.
How much IELTS score is required for New Zealand?
Generally, a minimum of 6.5 overall band score is required for IELTS, but this requirement may be lowered to 5.5 for specific courses.
Can I settle in New Zealand after study?
If you’ve earned a qualification below degree level 7, you might be eligible for a post-study work visa.
